Umar Akmal has been suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for an alleged breach of its Anti-Corruption code. However, former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed, has slammed the conduct of the board as Umar Akmal had kept coming back to the side despite his poor form and controversial behaviour.
The statement released by the PCB did not reveal the details behind the suspension, but said Akmal was charged under Article 4.7.1 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, under which the PCB can “in circumstances where it considers that the integrity of the sport could otherwise be seriously undermined, to Provisionally Suspend the Participant pending the Anti-Corruption Tribunal’s determination of whether he/she has committed an offence,” according to a report in ICC.
‘Umar Akmal is not performing and keeps coming back to the side’
Tanvir Ahmed lamented on the point that though Umar Akmal is not performing he continues to make a comeback to the side. He questioned the PCB officials authority and decision making in this regard. Adding, why are the selectors allowing him to make a comeback, despite all foul behaviour.
“When he (Umar Akmal) is not performing and keeps coming back to the side, it seems to me that his contacts are the only reason. What are the chairman of the PCB and other officials doing in this regard? Why is no one asking selectors why he keeps coming back despite all his controversies,” Tanvir said in a YouTube video as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
“PCB chairmen keep changing but Umar Akmal keeps coming back. Nobody is asking why he keeps coming back after so many chances. I can guarantee that if he gets banned for six months, he will be back as soon as his ban is over. Umar Akmal should not be allowed to come back into the side under any circumstances,” he added.
Tanvir Ahmed further bashes out at Umar Akmal
Tanvir Ahmed was off the opinion that Akmal was investigated for meeting or talking to a bookie. He, however said, despite having immense talent he has failed to make the most of it. And Pakistan head coach Misbhah-ul-Haq had given him enough chances to prove his mettle.
“Umar Akmal’s issue is on the forefront nowadays. We know that a day before the PSL, Umar Akmal was not allowed to play for the Quetta Gladiators franchise. He was being investigated for meeting or talking to a bookie. The article 2.4.4 of the PCB’s anti-corruption code clearly states that withholding information in case a bookie approaches you is against the rules and could result in a six-month or a life ban.
“Many people claim that Umar Akmal had a lot of talent including myself. Misbah gave him another chance in 2019 in which he couldn’t perform. Did no selector from his debut in 2009 till now realise that he, even with his talent, is not capable of being in the national side because he cannot do justice to his talent?,” he added.